Construction and implantation of a cannula system for repeated injections into localized regions of the rat brain

Abstract
The construction and method of implantion of a brain cannula for chronic use in rats is described. All the components of the cannula system are easily made from stainless steel tubing and no machined parts are required. The use of a metal key eliminates the need for tapped holes during implantation. Although little time is required to prepare each animal the system remains firmly fixed to the skull and allows injections to be made accurately into selected brain areas.